1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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The 16-track project finds Soulja experimenting with fresh sounds — from that West Coast bass to more energetic beats — all while staying true to the essence that built his legacy.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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For however long Warner is out, the 49ers will lose not only a Defensive Player of the Year candidate but also the most vocal and most energetic player in the locker room.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The model was a vision on the runway in a fiery red lingerie set, complete with a long train.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
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Stanley, Simmons and Criss were dismayed by his appearance but sufficiently impressed with his fiery lead guitar work, and he was invited to join a few weeks later.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The animated pic also included an LGBTQ relationship between Buzz’s best friend and commander, Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba), and her wife, Kiko, with glimpses of their life as a couple and an onscreen kiss.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Oct. 2025
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The animated session felt less like a demonstration and more like a homecoming.—
Essence,
Essence,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Tranter mounted a spirited defense of the Time Lord when confronted with Shearman’s quote.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
17 Oct. 2025
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The film, which is a sequel to the classic 1990 Christmas movie, follows the young and spirited Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who mistakenly gets on a plane headed for New York City while the rest of the family flies to Florida.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But Missoula, Livingston and Bozeman have lively literary scenes.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Expect lively notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and green apple, anchored by a soft minerality that adds depth without overpowering.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Ben Savage as Cory Matthews As the titular boy in Boy Meets World, Savage played the spunky, baseball-loving Cory, a well-meaning kid who sometimes found himself in sticky situations.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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These are basically all new roles or twists on old types, taking advantage of Poehler’s skill at embodying strong, often spunky personalities.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In his work, everything is animate, everything has a soul, everything has a story.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
8 Oct. 2025
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In his account of an Essex owl evening, all senses seem to merge, and all distinction between animate and inanimate disappears.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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By platforming industry experts and passionate entrepreneurs, Ducard is helping Pinterest expand into new arenas.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
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Boosting Confidence in Feeding Choices As someone who loves being a mom, Cardi B is equally passionate about advocating for other mothers, especially those who are new to the gig.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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